Tourism’s flying in Alicante as highest number of international passengers recorded
Alicante-Elche Airport has surpassed its own records this summer. The number of passengers handled by the airport on international flights rose by 16.1% during H1 2016 to a record high.
Known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca and a hub for all those travelling to the east and south east of Spain, the airport’s increase in passenger numbers is no surprise. The area has proved a highly popular destination this summer and not only by holiday makers but also holiday home buyers.
According to the School of Property Registrars, in Q2 2016 a total of 7,901 homes were purchased in the province of Alicante. This is a 20.7% increase from the same period last year with half of the sales consisting of foreign investors buying a holiday home.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey Espana, which has operated successfully in Spain since 1958, has observed firsthand the rising demand for property in the Alicante region as tourists look for a more permanent holiday setting.
He comments, “The Costa Blanca has been popular with tourists for over half a century however we have noticed a surge of interest in recent months. The area has much to offer from the stunning Mediterranean coastline to the charming interior but now also boasts new leisure activities such as caving, climbing, hiking and diving, which is broadening its appeal. Indeed the sight of the large Boeing-787 Dreamliners carrying 320+ passengers now arriving at Alicante-Elche Airport just goes to show what a popular destination the Costa Blanca has become.”